Overall CNA Advice on classes, job apps, etc.

DreamyEyes · Apr 7, 2008

I would go for the 4 week class if you want to get it done fast. I know people who have done a 3 week CNA class, and they were fine. Mine was 2 months long- There's a lot of info to learn, but it's not hard stuff. It's mostly common sense.

And as for your resume, don't worry! You're only 19, they're not going to expect you to have tons of job experience. It actually will look good that you've had the same job for 2 1/2 years. When I first looked for a CNA job I was 21 and had only had one job, but I was there for 4 years. I think it actually looks better to have one job and be there for awhile, then to have tons of jobs that you've only stayed at for a few months.

Good luck! :)

love_being_an_aide · Apr 7, 2008

I would say go for the 4-week course. Going for a longer amount of time isn't a bad thing, but we learn the majority of our skills on the job. In 4-weeks you'll probably cover a lot of groundwork, such as bathing the patient, transferring, vital signs, documentation and patients rights, and it's going to seem overwhelming, but keep in mind you do learn a lot on the job. As for your resume, don't worry about it. If you haven't worked in healthcare before, take the skills you feel would assist you in the field from your last job and highlight them. Many times for this field, many places would rather you didn't have a lot of experience, because they are able to mold you according to their ideal aide mind-set. Hope this helps, and good luck!

Glina · Apr 7, 2008

I am taking CNA class now. It is also 4wks, however, we will have clinical the 5th week. Honestly, I could do this class in a week, it is so easy. It's just common sense. I read chapter once during my lunch, which is half an hour, and that's it. I am working full time and taking 4 other classes as well. I think the only reason why CNA classes are so long is to justify the big amount of money we pay for it.

WorkofHeart8 · Apr 7, 2008

As Glina said, don't worry about the 4 week class. It is very easy. It is possible to do it in 2 weeks and the only reason I'm not saying 1 week is because where I took my class we had to check off on the skills and you had to wait 24 hrs after you passed the test. Then you have the clinicals and the certification exams. I was also in school FT and I know there are a lot of people out there who worked FT as well.

The only thing I struggled with a little bit was vital signs and after my fiance showed me how to do it (he's been a CNA for 5 yrs) I learned quickly. I just needed hands on learning.

Good luck!

BillyMan · Apr 10, 2008

Yeah thanks for all of the replies guys! You really took all of the worry out of me. But yeah, I deg. want to have some experience in as a CNA and get a feel for the job and see what the RNs do before I really go into Nursing school. To me its kind of like going to school to be an automotive mechanic but never have seen a car run before. :chuckle

Absolutely13 · Apr 11, 2008

You thinking is sound, Billy. How would you be able to supervise CNA's as an RN without knowing how long things generally take?

Also, I have learned what type of RN *I DO NOT* want to become. Most of my RN's are fantastic I have to say.

It's a great learning experience and gives you the greatest opportunity for direct patient care. Your confidence in clinicals will be evident.

BillyMan · Apr 11, 2008

You thinking is sound, Billy. How would you be able to supervise CNA's as an RN without knowing how long things generally take?
Also, I have learned what type of RN *I DO NOT* want to become. Most of my RN's are fantastic I have to say.
It's a great learning experience and gives you the greatest opportunity for direct patient care. Your confidence in clinicals will be evident.

Yeah that just makes all the sense to me. I know a lot of students just get their CNA as the pre-req for NS and then get into NS. Haha, I would much rather see nurses in action. That way whenever I am in class learning something and can go "oh yeah, I seen the RN at my job doing that and she did it such and such way...." rather than it being a completely new concept. :rolleyes:

TiggerBelly · Apr 12, 2008

My CNA course was 6 weeks long, however we met every Saturday for 8 hours. Then two sessions for clinicals.

TiggerBelly · Apr 12, 2008

Whoops forgot something-

Don't worry about your resume. I work with a CNA that is 18 and this is her first "real" job. As long as you have your certificate and interview fairly well, start calling around to hospitals, nursing homes, wherever it is you want to work. If you have the option of doing an in-person application rather than an online application, do the in-person one. Good luck